Are Bible-believing Christians "intolerant"?
For Christians, God's Word is the basis of their faith and actions. Consequently, the behavior of a believer must always be in accordance with God's will. A Christian should do nothing that does not have God's approval and should not approve of anything that God condemns as sin. Furthermore, a Christian should always respect God's will above the opinions of men. As long as a state order does not contradict God's will, Christians are called to submit to the authorities and conscientiously obey their laws. However, if a person or an authority demands something that is explicitly contrary to God and His will, Christians are obligated not to comply.
The Bible testifies that we live in a fallen world that wants virtually nothing to do with God and His holy commandments, and in which people place their own concepts of life and morals above God. Especially in Western societies, there are now numerous things that are far removed from God and His original plan for humanity. In addition, more and more churches are rejecting the Bible as a divine standard. Those who adhere to God's Word are often perceived as "intolerant," especially when their attitudes deviate from contemporary values. Some go even further by accusing Christians who point out other people's sins of "hatred" toward those who think differently. Some even consider Christians a "danger" to society. This ignores the fact that Christians do not represent their own opinions, but rather proclaim God's will, as is their mission. Furthermore, the vast majority of people do not consider that they will one day stand before God and have to give an account for their lives. In this respect, it is not about “tolerance,” but about the eternal fate of people.
In addition, there can be no unlimited tolerance. This would mean that everything is permitted, which in turn would allow the powerful to pursue their interests without restriction. On the other hand, very few people would tolerate things like murder, theft, or torture. Moral rules and boundaries are essential for coexistence in a society. The crucial question is who is allowed to set them? After all, people sometimes have very different moral standards. What is legitimate for one person may be offensive to another, and vice versa. For Christians, only God can determine what is permitted and what is not. Because God created us humans, He knows exactly what is best for everyone. If we place our own moral standards above God's commandments, we make ourselves into God. We must accept that God, in His wisdom, sets boundaries for us humans that we should not exceed. If we do so, it is to our own destruction.
Christians are called to testify to God's will. This gives sinners the chance to repent and receive forgiveness from God for their sins. Christians telling the truth has nothing to do with discrimination against minorities or those who think differently, but is an expression of their love for God and their fellow human beings. A Christian who conceals the truth simply to show tolerance risks the other person's ruin. Moreover, they may become complicit in the other person's sins. If people are unwilling to acknowledge God's will, Christians are still called to approach them peacefully. Under certain circumstances, however, it may be necessary for Christians to distance themselves from such people. A Christian should neither hate nor mistreat their fellow human beings, nor harm them. Rather, they should pray that they will repent in time, while the opportunity exists. At the same time, Christians should strive to be blameless examples for all people by doing good, so that in this way people may find God and be saved.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.